Price can be right for John Henderson in World Championship clash
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HUNTLY darts hero John Henderson is set for another high-quality World Championship clash when he takes on world number two Gerwyn Price tonight.
Hendo comfortably defeated Englishman John Richardson 3-0 in the first round but knows he will be facing a much trickier task when he steps onto the oche with Welshman Price.
However, the Highlander, world number 30, has plenty of experience playing the best – having lost to the a finalist on his last two trips to the Alexandra Palace.
He told the Huntly Express: “If you can’t look forward to games at the Alexandra Palace, you will never look forward to any game. This is my ninth year at the Ally Pally and I always look forward to it.
“The ties are not getting any easier. Price is the new world number two. But I’m sure it will be a good game.
“I’m looking forward to it and feeling good about myself. If I play well I am in with a chance.”
“I’m pleased to still be in the tournament after Christmas. It makes Christmas Day that bit sweeter.”
Henderson averaged 93.3, and dropped just three games, in his victory over Richardson – while Price, second favourite for the tournament, was so close to being knocked out in the first round by William O’Connor.
Price averaged just 91 and scraped through with a 3-2 against the Irishman.
But Hendo is well aware of his opponent’s quality, and knows he will need to step up again.
He said: “I didn’t play that badly against John Richardson, but Gerwyn has been averaging between 95 and 100 and is playing at a better standard than John so I will need to improve.
“I haven’t watched the game back, but I do remember I was averaging near 100 to begin with but James was struggling and he didn’t push me. It was just a case of stumbling over the finishing line in the end.
“I can’t afford to do that against Gerwyn. I will have to be on my toes and my average will have to be near to the ton mark.”
As always with Gerwyn Price, the crowd will be a big factor. The Welshman has not always been a fan favourite, but Hendo says that is starting to change.
He added: “He is beginning to win the fans over.
“But that is the way he plays, he gets himself going by celebrating. If he roars in your face it is wrong, but if that’s what he wants to do that’s OK and it won’t bother me.
“I won’t worry about what he is doing. Every player should expect it from Gerwyn.
“The only way to shut that up is to better him.”
Hendo came home to Huntly on Saturday, where he enjoyed Christmas – although an afternoon practice session was on the menu alongside the traditional turkey dinner.
Tonight's match is best of seven legs and starts at 7.15pm. Coverage on Sky Sports starts at 7pm.
